A Feathered Visitor

Our day was brightened by this little Three Toed Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca, now called the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher) who flew into The Villa at Far Cry. Our feathered friend seemed content to nestle in our Villa Manager’s hand for a while, and eventually flew away.

 

Wall-less and open to nature, this is exactly the kind of rare interaction with wildlife that is possible at this magical destination.

 

With the onset of the rains and cooler weather, Nature has come alive around Far Cry. Stay with us and share the joy!

 

To book The Villa or The Gatehouse, call +94 777301908 or visit www.farcryhabarana.com/reservation/

Introducing The Gatehouse

Escape to The Gatehouse, a private two-bedroom forest hideaway at Far Cry Forest Retreat, just 9 km from Habarana.It’s an ideal base for exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle—or for simply slowing down in the forest.

Surrounded by trees and birdsong, this cozy lodge is perfect for couples, solo travelers, or friends looking for a quiet stay near Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya, and Kaudulla.

Each bedroom has a queen four-poster bed, en-suite bathroom, and open-sky shower. The veranda offers space to relax, dine, or simply enjoy the sounds of nature.

Guests can unwind by the plunge pool, wander six acres of walking trails, or stroll to nearby Kumbukkali Wewa, where wild elephants are often spotted. Home-cooked meals, handcrafted furniture, and warm, attentive service make The Gatehouse feel both comfortable and authentic.

Call 0777301908 now for introductory rates until November 30th, 2025.

The Ceylon Oak

Not an English Oak, but this Ceylon Oak (Schleichera oleosa) or “Kon” in the vernacular, was at least half a century old when Far Cry was born. It was among a handful of large trees on what when then an abandoned chena (dry zone farm).Through the years it has held its own as the forest regenerated around it. It is quite a lovely sight as the leaves colour and fall around February and March every year, giving an illusion of autumn in the tropical dry zone! The yellow and gold colours never fail to amaze and uplift. Squirrels play on its trunks and birds nest in the hollows of its gnarled old branches. The fallen leaves spread like a carpet beneath it, eventually nourishing the soil as it decays . It is truly a reminder that trees give succour to living things in more ways than one. 

A huge tree
A person holding a red color leaf
Name tag of a tree.

The Positive Energy of Flowing Water

Vaasthu and Feng Shui are ancient systems of spatial design that promote harmony, balance and well being in life. Originating in South Asia and China respectively, the two systems have many common elements, demonstrating the universality of certain design principles. One such principle is the importance of flowing water around places of abode – purportedly to regenerate positive energy.. Sri Lanka’s rural landscape is blessed with an abundance of flowing water, harnessed by our ancient kings for agriculture. It is no coincidence therefore that one feels so much at ease when spending a few days, or, if you are lucky, a week or more, in Sri Lanka’s beautiful countryside, be it in the hills or in the dry zone, within sight of a lake or a river. Far Cry is particularly favoured by irrigation channels that run around two sides of its boundary, as well as older streams that flow through it. Except in the driest of seasons, these channels carry water from our local “wewa” or tank to the rice fields below. I am convinced that the serenity of Far Cry is largely due to the water factor – so many of our guests have described it as “magical”. Why not come, experience it yourself?

Morning Walks at Far Cry

By

Yohann Dias

One of the delights of a morning walk along the trails at Far Cry is the lightshow that Mother Nature puts on for you. 

Every hue of green is heightened by the sunlight slanting though the branches as you wend you way through the forest. The chill in the morning air, the crunch of the dry leaves underfoot, and the calling of birds adds to the experience.

We are in the process of mapping out the nearly 2km of trails, so that visitors can plan their walks, and not get lost in the process! 

The Ceylon Oak

Not an English Oak, but this Ceylon Oak (Schleichera oleosa) or “Kon” in the vernacular, was at least half a century old when Far Cry was born. It was among a handful of large trees on what when then an abandoned chena (dry zone farm).Through the years it has held its own as the forest regenerated around it. It is quite a lovely sight as the leaves colour and fall around February and March every year, giving an illusion of autumn in the tropical dry zone! The yellow and gold colours never fail to amaze and uplift. Squirrels play on its trunks and birds nest in the hollows of its gnarled old branches. The fallen leaves spread like a carpet beneath it, eventually nourishing the soil as it decays . It is truly a reminder that trees give succour to living things in more ways than one. 

A huge tree
A person holding a red color leaf
Name tag of a tree.

Wild flowers.

By

Yohann Dias

Often overlooked, but always there for the keen of eye, wild flowers abound around Far Cry. The flowering shrub shown here – Blue Mist (Memecylon umbellatum) – is a good example. Blooming seasonally, the flowers give off a delicately sweet scent, which butterflies and bees find irresistable. A walk along forest our trails will yield hours of enjoyment, marvelling at these little wonders of nature.